U.S. Superabsorbent Polymers Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Sodium Polyacrylate, Polyacrylamide, and Others) By Application (Personal Hygiene, Medical, Agriculture, and Others), and Country Forecast, 2023-2030

The U.S. superabsorbent polymers market size was worth USD 1.18 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period.

A superabsorbent polymer, also known as slush powder, is a hydrophilic material that can absorb extremely large amounts of water relative to its weight. For instance, it absorbs water to the extent of 300 to 500 times its weight. These polymers are basically polymeric networks produced using different monomers, including sodium polyacrylate and polyacrylamide. These polymers are widely used in applications, such as personal hygiene, medical, and agriculture. Rising demand for personal care and hygiene products in the U.S. is anticipated to boost the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Though the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted several markets, the stable demand for these polymers for personal hygiene and medical applications balanced the market’s growth. However, decreased prices of raw materials and disruptions in supply chains limited the market’s growth for a temporary period during the initial days of the outbreak. Gradual control over the spread of the pandemic and restoration of economic activities have created significant momentum for the market’s growth.

U.S. Superabsorbent Polymers Market Trends

Rising Adoption of Personal Hygiene Products to Fuel Market Growth

There is a significant awareness among the public regarding the use of personal hygiene products, including baby diapers, sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence products. Rising health consciousness among the middle-income population and increasing consumer expenditure are anticipated to drive the market’s growth. Furthermore, the U.S. is witnessing a rise in the geriatric population, which is anticipated to drive the demand for adult incontinence products, presenting opportunities for the U.S. superabsorbent polymers market growth.

U.S. Superabsorbent Polymers Market Growth Factors

Rising Population and Increased Consumer Expenditure to Drive Market Growth 

Superabsorbent polymers are mainly used in the production of personal hygiene products, including baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and female hygiene products intended for fluid absorption. The rising population in the U.S., coupled with increased consumer expenditure, is anticipated to boost the product’s demand significantly. For instance, according to Vintage 2023 population estimates published by the U.S. Census Bureau, the country witnessed a rise in its population by more than 1.6 million people in the past year. This rise in population is expected to continue in the future as well owing to a decrease in the death rate, thereby positively impacting the market’s growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Fluctuations in Raw Material Prices Likely to Limit Market Growth

Acrylic acid and sodium hydroxide are the major raw materials used in the manufacturing of superabsorbent polymers. Volatility in the prices of these materials is creating fluctuations in the prices of the final product. Acrylic acid is obtained from crude oil. Presently, crude oil prices are witnessing significant fluctuations and are anticipated to rise during the forecast period, negatively impacting the growth of the market.

U.S. Superabsorbent Polymers Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Based on type, the market is divided into sodium polyacrylate, polyacrylamide, and others. The sodium polyacrylate segment held the largest U.S. superabsorbent polymers market share in 2022. Sodium polyacrylate products offer relatively higher water absorption and prevent skin irritation. These properties are increasing the use of this material in personal hygiene products, such as baby diapers and in medical applications. Polyacrylamide and other superabsorbent polymers are also witnessing high demand from personal hygiene, medical, and agriculture sectors owing to their relatively low prices.

By Application Analysis

Based on application, the market is segmented into personal hygiene, medical, agriculture, and others. The personal hygiene segment dominated the U.S. superabsorbent polymers market in 2022. These polymers are prominently used in the manufacturing of personal hygiene products, including baby diapers, sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence products. These polymers are also witnessing a significant rise in their demand from agricultural activities conducted in areas with scarce water resources owing to their water retention properties.

List of Key Companies in U.S. Superabsorbent Polymers Market

Key players operating in the market include Sumitomo Seika Chemicals, Nippon Shokubai, SANYO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD., BASF, Evonik, Chase Corporation, and Taiwan Plastics, among others. A majority of the players operating in this market are focusing on increasing their production capacities to meet the ever-growing demand for these polymers. These manufacturers are also investing in research and development programs and making combined efforts to produce these polymers from bio-based and recycled materials.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED

• Sumitomo Seika Chemicals (Japan)


• Nippon Shokubai (Japan)


• SANYO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD. (Japan)


• BASF (Germany)


• Evonik (Germany)


• Chase Corporation (U.S.)


• Taiwan Plastics (Taiwan)


• Yixing Danson (China)


• Satellite Science & Technology (China)


• Shenghong Holding Group (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• February 2023 – Nippon Shokubai announced that it had received the ISCC PLUS Certification for its products, including ethylene oxide, acrylic acid, and superabsorbent polymers. The certification is given to companies that manufacture products using bio-based materials and is anticipated to enhance Nippon’s brand image in the market.


• July 2022 – Chase Corporation announced the acquisition of NuCera Solutions. The move is anticipated to significantly expand the company’s range of specialty polymers and attractive polymerization technologies.     


• March 2022 – Sumitomo Seika Chemicals announced a price rise for its AQUA KEEP superabsorbent polymers from April 2022. With this move, the company intended to compensate for increased prices of energy, raw materials, and auxiliary raw materials.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report thoroughly examines key factors, such as leading companies, applications, and products. It also provides information regarding the latest market trends and highlights significant industry advancements. The report also includes different factors that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years. It examines the industry's newest dynamics and opportunities, historical data, and revenue growth estimates at the country level.

Report Scope & Segmentation